Use the same terms when comparing a shipment
These short explanations help you prepare a brief and ask questions about a quotation. The provider’s agreed scope and charging terms govern the actual service. If a term is unclear, ask what it includes rather than assuming two offers use it in the same way.
Net weight and gross weight
Net weight describes the goods without their packaging. Gross weight includes the packaging being weighed. State whether a weight applies to one package or the whole shipment, and keep the unit visible. When several products share a carton, count that carton’s gross weight once.
Volume and chargeable weight
Volume describes the space occupied by the finished packages, commonly recorded in cubic metres (m³). For rectangular packaging, multiply outside length, width and height in metres. Add separate package volumes when their sizes differ.
Chargeable weight is the weight used as the basis for a transport charge. Ask the quoting party which calculation and measurement rules apply; do not assume it equals the goods’ net weight or use an unconfirmed conversion factor. See the packing measurements guide for a worked physical-volume example.
LCL and FCL
LCL means less-than-container-load and describes a shared-container option. Review both origin and destination handling as well as the sea leg.
FCL means full-container-load. It does not establish that loading, unloading or delivery to a particular address is included. Confirm equipment suitability and the responsibilities at each end. Compare the LCL and FCL preparation guides for the details to provide.
Consolidation and repacking
Consolidation brings identified orders or packages together for a planned shipment. It does not necessarily mean opening or combining their packaging. Repacking changes the packaging itself. Ask whether either task is included and how order references, product protection and final measurements will be recorded.
Cargo-ready date and required arrival date
The cargo-ready date is when goods are expected to be available for the agreed next step. Clarify whether that means production complete or fully packed and available for collection. Mark the date confirmed or estimated.
A required arrival date states your need. It is not a confirmed schedule. Explain the delivery point that matters to you and ask which stages are covered by the proposed timing.
Delivery scope and handover
Delivery scope identifies the work between the stated start and end points. Handover identifies where and to whom goods are transferred. A terminal handover differs from delivery to a receiving address. Unloading, appointments and special access should be discussed explicitly.
For an illustrative comparison, an offer ending at a terminal and an offer including final delivery are not equivalent scopes. Use the quote comparison guidance to identify what remains to be arranged.
Inspection scope and release instruction
Inspection scope says what will be checked, which units are included and how findings will be recorded. A label photograph and a function test answer different questions.
A release instruction authorises specified goods to proceed under an agreed arrangement. It is not proof that those goods have physically departed. Keep the actual dispatch record separate, especially when quantities change or only part of an order moves.
SKU and packing list
A SKU is a stock reference used to distinguish a product or variant. Keep colour, size or configuration visible when these affect the order.
A packing list connects the identified goods to their packages and records quantities, weights and measurements as applicable. Use a dated version after final packing so the buyer, preparation team and receiver can refer to the same record.
Turn an unclear term into a useful question
- Which goods, packages or stage does this term refer to?
- What work and charges are included, and what remains separate?
- Which measurement or document supports the assessment?
- Who confirms the missing detail before work proceeds?
Keep the answers with your shipment brief and the quotation version you are reviewing.
